2024-10-30 18:24:00
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced on Wednesday October 30 that it had found traces of dangerous chemical substances in hundreds of cosmetic products sold in Europe.
Of the 4,500 products examined by the agency between November 2023 and April 2024 in 13 European countries, 285 – or 6% – presented traces of these substances banned because of their harmful effect on health, the institution said. established in Helsinki, Finland.
Among the products in question were eyeliners, lip pencils, conditioners and hair masks, according to ECHA.
The substances identified are prohibited by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants as well as European legislation, because exposure to them may reduce fertility and increase the risk of cancer.
To detect them, ECHA simply checked the list of ingredients appearing on the products. This method “can easily be used by consumers”noted the agency. “The competent authorities have taken measures to remove non-compliant products from the market”the ECHA stressed.
The checks were carried out in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Romania and Sweden.
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**Interview with Dr. Mia Jensen, Expert on Chemical Safety in Cosmetics**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Jensen. We recently came across the report from the European Chemicals Agency regarding hazardous chemicals found in cosmetic products. Could you provide us with a brief overview of the main findings?
**Dr. Jensen:** Certainly! The report highlights the presence of several harmful chemicals in a variety of cosmetic products, including some that are popular among consumers. The European Chemicals Agency conducted thorough assessments and found substances that are linked to health risks, such as skin irritations and long-term effects like hormonal disruption.
**Editor:** That sounds concerning. Which specific chemicals were identified as the most problematic?
**Dr. Jensen:** Some of the key culprits mentioned include parabens, phthalates, and certain heavy metals. These are often used as preservatives or to enhance the texture and longevity of products. However, their potential health implications have raised significant red flags.
**Editor:** What steps is the European Union taking in response to these findings?
**Dr. Jensen:** The EU is tightening regulations around cosmetic ingredients. They are implementing stricter guidelines and increasing monitoring to ensure consumer safety. Manufacturers will be required to provide better transparency about the ingredients in their products, and harmful substances are likely to face bans or restrictions.
**Editor:** How can consumers protect themselves while these changes are being implemented?
**Dr. Jensen:** Consumers should be proactive when choosing cosmetics. It’s essential to read labels and be aware of the ingredients in the products they use. Opting for brands that emphasize natural, non-toxic formulations can also be a good practice until broader regulations are enacted.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Jensen, for shedding light on this critical issue. It’s vital for consumers to stay informed about what’s in their cosmetics.
**Dr. Jensen:** My pleasure! Awareness is the first step towards safer beauty choices.
